Counter Terrorism Policing and the British Transport Police are urging the public to be vigilant and play their part in protecting their communities in the run-up to Christmas.
Senior officers from both organisations have issued a joint call for vigilance following recent attacks targeting the Jewish community in Manchester and Australia.
CTP and BTP work together in partnership all year round, ensuring that public spaces and events as well as our rail network are safe – and that collaboration is more important than ever at Christmas.
Sadly, we know that the things which bring us together remain an attractive target for terrorists – and you can play your part by remaining vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t seem right. The call to action comes as part of CTP’s annual winter vigilance campaign, and we are asking you to help spread that message.
Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said:
“I know that this year, we find ourselves entering the festive season with the recent terrible attack in Manchester fresh in our minds, along with the awful atrocity in Australia just days ago.
“These awful acts remind us that the vigilance of our communities has never been more important. Staying safe is a shared responsibility, and that this winter, we hope that it’s a mantle taken up by the many.
“Every single report we receive from the public is important, you won’t be wasting our time if you call us or report something online. Each report you make could make a difference to investigations, or even create the opportunity for arrests or other action.
“We want people to feel safe to enjoy winter with family and friends, while also being empowered to report any concern themselves, rather than thinking someone else may report it.
“Trust your instinct and speak up if something feels wrong; it could be as simple as alerting staff or security at a venue or event about a concern, or by contacting the police to make a report.”
Last year, one in five of the reports to our Anti-Terrorism Hotline and the online equivalent, gov.uk/ACT, were passed on to our officers for further investigation. Your information could help us to stop an attack; reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them.
British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said:
“The railway network is always busy throughout the festive period, packed with shoppers, partygoers, tourists and people visiting family and friends. You will notice more BTP officers – including armed police and search dog teams – on trains and at stations, and there will also be officers there who you won’t be able to see.
“They are there to keep you safe, but we need your help too. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and tell us. Save our text number 61016 and ask others to as well. No report is too small and we’ll always take you seriously. See it, Say it, Sorted.”
We are also encouraging people to speak to their friends and families to encourage them to be vigilant, as well as follow our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.